guard 1 of 2

Definition of guardnext
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as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

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guard

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guard
Noun
One of the major contributors has been 6-foot-3 junior guard Johnny Thyfault, who’s averaging 16 points and has become a fan favorite because of his dunking skills. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 Donovan noted that Kawamura could have played basketball during this time, but the Bulls medical staff held the guard out of all contact activities during his recovery. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
The job of guarding the opposition’s top offensive threat usually goes to Nelson. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025 Early on, federal agents guarding the building deployed tear gas and shot pepper balls in clashes with protesters and arrested some of them, including some charged with felonies on suspicion of assaulting or blocking officers. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • The United States has traditionally acted as the guardian of this system.
    John Kerry, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Kids aged 7 to 18 can also walk in for the shot without a prescription, as long as a parent or guardian gives consent and talks it over with the pharmacist.
    Evan Moore November 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Nick Bosa, middle linebacker Fred Warner and rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams to season-ending injuries.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The true freshman defensive back paces the Orange’s secondary with eight pass breakups.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • While the outside world locks into the exhilarating highlights, Johnson drills down on the nuances.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • After turning the lock with his teeth and tongue, Dawson pushes open the front door and walks out into the night.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Coalition members also agreed to carry on with long-term military support for Ukraine and pledged defense cooperation, including training, defense production and intelligence sharing.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Although his unit did not perform particularly well in 2026, ranking 22nd in total defense, 24th in points against and 17th on third down, anyone that has interacted with Weaver knows that his presence screams head coach.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The travel guide company also awarded a star to Mezcaleria Alma, Alma Fonda Fina’s sister restaurant.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The biggest ovation of the night came when Keon Ellis, who has fallen out of the rotation despite being one of the team’s best defenders and 3-point shooters, entered the game for the first time at the start of the fourth quarter.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Last season’s Most Improved Player was the primary defender on Dončić, who was held to 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the field in 27 minutes.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This warranty gives homeowners confidence that their investment is protected and that the company is committed to long-term results.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Prices start at $57 At minimum, an area rug’s job is to protect your floors from scratches, spills, and scuffs, but this particular style holds so much more importance in terms of adding decor, texture, and color to a space — just ask Joanna Gaines.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • At first, Israel blockaded Gaza entirely, against the United States’ wishes.
    Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
  • In recent weeks, JNIM has effectively blockaded Bamako, targeting critical fuel convoys and supply lines.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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